Information about the primates licence regulations and how to apply
Primate licence
From 6 April 2025 The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations have come into force. The legislation brings in a licensing scheme, setting strict rules to ensure that only private keepers who can provide zoo-level welfare standards will be able to keep primates.
Existing private primate keepers can apply for a primate licence from April 2025 and, from 6 April 2026, all private primate keepers and people proposing to keep a primate will be required to hold a licence, valid for a maximum of three years, and undergo reassessment to renew their permission to keep their animals.
A person who requires a primate licence and keeps a primate in England without one will be committing an offence under section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and will be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term of up to six months, a fine or both.
We are expecting DEFRA to issue further guidance in relation to primate licences and this webpage will be updated following this. Please check back soon for any changes or additional information.
More information on the licensing process can be found in the FAQs below.
How to apply
Please complete the application form below to apply for a primates licence.
To apply for a primates licence you'll need:
- to complete the application form and send it to us
- enclose your application with accompanying fee of £375.00
Please see our written procedures document or guidance on what paperwork you'll need to submit with your application.
Additional charges
To make a variation on an existing licence:
| Additional charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| To reduce numbers or remove species under section 9 (a) or (b) | £35.00 |
| To increase numbers or add species or change the premises address under section 9 (a), (b) or (c) | £375.00 |
| To obtain a copy of the licence | £10.50 |
Primate licence FAQs
I am a private keeper of a primate. What do I need to do?
You should apply for a primate licence from April 2025. Doing so early will mean that you have a longer period to adapt to the changes that will become law in April 2026.
What conditions will I need to meet in order to be licensed?
You can find the conditions that you will need to meet in Schedule 1 of the regulations. All applicants will need to meet the conditions.
Is anyone exempt from the need to be licenced?
The following don't need a primate licence (although they may need another licence):
- Zoo’s where a Zoo licence is held
- A registered premises for animal experiments
How much does a licence cost and what will happen after I apply?
You must pay a fee of £375.00. The cost of the vet’s time will also be recharged to the applicant. Once a valid application is received, a licensing officer will arrange to inspect your premises accompanied by a vet. The Inspectors will assess your premises against the conditions specified in the regulations.
How long do licenses last?
Primate licences last for a maximum of 3 years but you can request a shorter period if necessary. You must apply to renew your licence 10 weeks before your current one ends. This date is shown on your licence. The fee for a renewal is £320.00.
What paperwork will I need to submit with my application?
The regulations require the following paperwork to be kept as part of the licence. In order to ensure we deal with your application as quickly as possible; you should submit them as part of your application.
Your policies and procedures should provide a snapshot of your business and detail how you meet all the licence conditions.
Please see our primates licence written procedures document for guidance on what to submit.
Neighbourhood nuisance issues and planning
We have a duty to investigate complaints of nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Even if you’ve had a licence or planning permission granted, if we find your premises to have issues like excessive noise, and odour, this could result in formal action being taken. For further advice, please contact csnn@west-norfolk.gov.uk.
You may need planning permission for keeping the primates. Please see our planning pages or contact our Customer Information Centre on 01553 616200 to discuss whether permission will be needed. We cannot accept an application unless any relevant planning permission has been granted.
Further information
For further information, please contact the Environmental Health team below.